UFC stars visit Oval Office, thank President Trump for transforming the sport with historic White House fight

Be prepared to see some ground and pound on the South Lawn.

Ahead of the highly anticipated White House UFC fight to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, President Donald Trump welcomed several of the UFC’s biggest stars to the Oval Office for a preview of the upcoming fight card.

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Appearing alongside Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, Trump outlined plans to transform the White House grounds into a premier fighting venue for the June 14 event coinciding with Flag Day and his birthday.

“We are having a big fight on June 14,” Trump said, showing footage of the fight scene.

“This will never happen again; it’s never happened before. All the best fighters are standing behind me, the four best fighters, all four champions, and it’s going to happen right in front of the White House. It’s going to be the greatest show on earth.”

While the lightweight bout between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and interim title holder Justin Gaethje is expected to be prominent on the card, a heavyweight match between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane is also planned.

The UFC Freedom 250 championship belt is displayed in the Oval Office at the White House on May 6, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch/Zuffa LLC)

Trump praised the group’s bravery.

“There’s no one stronger in the sport than the people behind me. These are the toughest people. Alex Pereira, we’ve seen him knock out a lot of people. That’s what he does. Ilia Topuria, they say he doesn’t get any tougher. He’s very special.”

TRUMP IS EXCITED TO ATTEND UFC WHITE HOUSE EVENT FEATURED BY ‘ALL THE BEST’ FIGHTERS

The Oval Office was filled with mutual respect between the commander in chief and the warriors.

Topuria stated that he was very pleased with the invitation and said, “I also want to thank God for giving us this beautiful day and making us experience what it feels like to be in our Oval Office. It will be wonderful and we want to thank you for this opportunity… And I never thought you would be this kind.”

“Yes, I have the wrong image,” Trump said playfully.

Topuria also asked Trump, “Why do you want to give the toughest test to a friend?” he asked.

“Because he knows that’s what I want,” Gaethje interjected.

Trump agreed with this view and said, “I want to give the hardest test, right. What are your chances of winning?”

“I have full faith. 100%,” Topuria replied. “And I hope [Gaethje] “He has the same belief.”

Brazilian fighter Alex Pereira also said during Wednesday’s Oval Office meeting: “I want to thank the opportunity to fight in the White House. We know this is a special event where everyone wants to be there. It makes me feel special.”

President Donald Trump poses for a photo with UFC heavyweight Alex Pereira in the Oval Office at the White House on May 6, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch/Zuffa LLC)

Gane echoed the sentiment: “I just want to say thank you. It’s an honor. I’m really proud. It’s going to be really special for once in your life.”

Justin Gaethje closed out the visit by highlighting Trump’s historic support for the UFC.

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“What an incredible honor. I’m not sure many people know how big of a role you played in helping the UFC emerge and become mainstream in the early ’90s when no one believed in us and thought we were just animals. It’s truly an honor. It’s great that it’s your birthday, it’s great that it’s Flag Day, it’s great to represent this country. I think we would have been 10 years behind without you…

“It’s really special to have a president who’s willing to go against the grain and go against the norm. That’s why you have my vote. And that’s why we’re such a great nation compared to where we are right now.”

While the rest of the world plays politics, the UFC plays to make money on the country’s most famous turf.

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